Herbal Remedies to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Pain and inflammation can have a serious impact on anyone’s quality of life. Though there are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription drugs available, these medications all have the potential to negatively impact the liver, kidneys and intestines.

Luckily, there are many natural remedies for pain and inflammation that are readily available and safe to use. Below is a list of seven herbs that can help your body naturally fight off chronic inflammation and the pain that comes along with it.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years to treat conditions like infection, digestive issues and chronic inflammation. It’s traditionally a root that looks similar to ginger, but it has a distinctive, orange flesh inside. When found as a ground spice or tea, it’s typically bright yellow or yellow-orange.

Turmeric can be added to a number of recipes, enjoyed as a tea or taken in capsule form.

2. Bromelain

This is a powerful enzyme that has repeatedly been shown to reduce inflammation and ease chronic pain. It is one of the few enzymes that does not get broken down by the digestive tract, so the body is able to absorb the molecule as a whole for maximum benefit.

Bromelain can be found in fresh pineapple, which means that it is easy to acquire. You can get an extra boost of bromelain from the pineapple if you also juice the stem and drink that.

If you are not a fan of pineapple, bromelain can be bought on its own as a capsulated supplement. Bear in mind that you should not take bromelain in any form if you’re allergic to pineapple.

Bromelain can also be found in all-natural remedies such as Heal N Soothe from The Healthy Back Institute.

3. Ginger

Ginger has been used since ancient times to alleviate a variety of ailments, including:

Sour stomach

Headaches

Infections

Inflammation

In addition to being a popular cooking spice, it is popular in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has also been used to treat osteoarthritis and can even provide relief from menstrual cramps.

Ginger can be found in almost any form:

Fresh root

Crystallized pieces

Powder capsules

Herbal tinctures

Liquid or powder additive

4. Devil’s Claw

This South African plant is named for its strange, hooked shape. It is well-known in European countries for its ability to fight inflammation, arthritis pain, headaches, fever and liver problems. As a topical ointment, it can be used to speed the healing of dermatitis, skin lesions, boils and ulcers.

The roots of the plant contain compounds called iridoid glycosides, which are natural substances that can help fight chronic inflammation.

Most often, Devil’s claw is found as a liquid or capsule supplement. However, it can also be taken as an herbal tea or used as a topical ointment as well.

5. Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia serrata is an Ayurvedic remedy that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries as a treatment for inflammatory conditions. It originates from the gum of the Indian boswellia tree and has many beneficial uses.

This natural remedy works by turning off the signals that are responsible for triggering the body’s inflammatory response, which allows for much better blood flow. When circulation is improved in this manner, blood that is rich with nutrients and oxygen can flow to damaged areas, which promotes healing and better mobility.

The best way to add Boswellia serrata to your wellness regimen is by taking encapsulated supplements.

6. Burdock Root

Burdock root is native to northern Asia and has a long history of use in holistic medicine for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, swollen joints, inflammation and general malaise. Studies have proven that it is a very effective blood purifier, which means that it can help clear the body of dangerous toxins and impurities, and it is also able to clear congestion from the lymphatic, respiratory and urinary systems.

This botanical extract is also believed to have the ability to protect the liver from the damaging effects of acetaminophen, and it can also stimulate the regeneration of gallbladder and liver cells.

Burdock root is most often found in capsule form, but it can also be steeped as a tea or consumed as a cooked vegetable.

7. White Willow Bark

This herb has many therapeutic uses, including reducing fever, eliminating inflammation, relieving headaches and alleviating lower back pain. It can also help with the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, gout and PMS.

It has been around for thousands of years as a holistic remedy, and recent studies have verified that its use has scientific merit. White willow bark contains a compound known as salicin, which is similar in effect to aspirin. However, unlike aspirin, white willow bark does not have the same potential for unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. It also contains flavonoids for additional anti-inflammatory support.

White willow bark can be consumed as a tea or purchased in capsule form. It is also effective when made into a tincture or when used in combination with other pain-relieving herbs.